The holidays are here, and gift season is in full swing! It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for everyone in your life, though – especially when you’ve got a friend or relative who has recently lost a limb. Luckily, BioTech is here with some great, fresh ideas forgifts for amputees, and we’ve divided them into “serious gifts” and “funny gifts” (because everyone feels differently about their limb loss, so you might need a wide variety of options!). Read on!

Serious Gifts for Amputees

This hand prosthesis patent print could make for some interesting, personal art in your friend or relative’s home. It’s unique and historical, not to mention extremely low cost!

One thing you might not consider as a gift (or at least, as part of a gift) isbaby wipes. They come in handy when it comes to cleaning a residual limb or liner. When someone with limb loss is out and about, they may want to take off their prosthesis for a little while – but they know that if they do, they’ll need to wipe down their residual limb before they put it back on. Having wipes on hand can be super convenient!

Another great product isAmpuBalm, which can be especially helpful to someone who is in their first 6 months of recovery. For protecting skin and creating a barrier between the residual limb and the socket, AmpuBalm is one of the best options on the market – but it can also be hard to find, so if you get some for your loved one, you’re probably helping them out a lot!

This leg prosthesis patent mug could be a cool gift for the coffee lover in your life. They’ll probably be the only one at the office with a mug like this!

Finally, there’sNoah Galloway’s new book. He’s an inspiring person who might help your loved one remember that their life is still full of possibilities. If your friend or family member is a bookworm – or they just love Noah (and who doesn’t?) – this might be the perfect choice!

Funny Gifts for Amputees

If your loved one has demonstrated a sense of humor about their limb loss, a funny or clever gift might be right up their alley.

Before you purchase anything humorous for your loved one with limb loss, make sure they are ready to make light of their situation. The last thing you want to do is appear to be making fun of them, so unless you are 100% confident that they will appreciate the joke, stick with one of the more serious options!

Call BioTech for Dedicated, Personalized Service

When it comes to caring for people with limb loss, nobody does it better than BioTech.Give us a call today for all your prosthetic and orthotic needs!

Here at BioTech,our patients come first – no matter what. And while we know our customers love us (almost) as much as we love them, it’s always nice to get a thank you note from someone who wants to tell us how we made a difference in their life.

Take a look at this adorable message and artwork from one of our patients, Samuel Johnson!

Dear BioTech Limb and Brace,

I’m very thankful that Children’s Hospital had told us about these braces. These braces are better than my other braces, and very much more comfortable then [sic] the others. My first braces I hated because they always pinched me, and it left blood blisters because they had hinjes [sic]. My second braces was [sic] a lot better than the first ones because instead of hinjes they had flexible plastic.

The first and second pair of braces are nothing compared to these awesomecarbonite braces with springs. Now I know for a fact that they have springs. Well how I know is because when we was [sic] at co-op which is a place where we meet up with other homeschoolers to do class on every Monday. I was racing my friends inside and jumped higher than ever before and I couldn’t stop myself from from [sic] falling so I slid across the concrete and flew into the door. The first time I put these braces on I felt a whole lot better. Thank you BioTech for helping me.

Love,

Samuel K. Johnson

We Can Help You Feel a Whole Lot Better, Too!

Improving quality of life is one of our main goals for our patients. That’s why Samuel’s letter resonates with us so deeply – he has put into words what we want for everyone who walks through our door. Whether it’s orthotic braces or a prosthetic device, patient comfort and satisfaction is our top goal.

For many of us, family gatherings over the holidays are complicated already. (Yes, some people out there have nothing but fun in these situations – but most of us feel a little anxious.) If you’re new to limb loss andstill adjusting to your prosthetic device, it might seem even more daunting to think about getting together with family this season.

Here at BioTech, we completely understand how strange it can feel to navigate this new world you’ve entered, and we’ve got some tips to make the holidays go as smoothly as possible. Read on!

Make Your Wishes Clear

Everyone feels differently about losing a limb. If you’re fine talking about it, then go ahead and mention your prosthesis as soon as the first person asks how you are. A casual “I’m good, just still getting used to this thing!” can break the ice immediately and signal to your loved one that you don’t mind discussing your amputation.

However, if you’d rather not be asked about the situation, it may be wise to have a trusted family member communicate that beforehand to everyone who will attend the event. This way, you’ll avoid the covert glances, the hesitant half-questions (“So, about your, uh…”), and the general uncertainty that comes along with these kinds of things. No one will want to handle it poorly, so if you can set out your wishes clearly ahead of time, it will be to everyone’s benefit once the gathering is underway.

Practice Your Answers

If you decide to face the situation head-on and address everyone’s inquiries, you may want to rehearse some answers before you go. This might sound silly, but in the end, it can save you a lot of energy – especially if you’re an introvert!

Think about the five questions you’re most likely to hear. This will vary from person to person, but generally, your family members will probably ask how you’re feeling, how your recovery has gone, how you’re adapting toyour prosthesis, and so forth. Consider how much detail you’d like to go into when you answer these questions, and craft an answer that will satisfy the asker without requiring you to divulge more than you want.

(And remember, if you get too many follow-up questions, excusing yourself from the conversation is totally warranted.)

Give Yourself an Out

There aren’t many things worse than being trapped at a holiday gathering with no escape. If you think you might panic halfway through, or if the questions become more than you anticipated and you’re tired of being the center of attention, find something that will give you an out if you need it.

There are lots of things you could use for a potential escape, but one thing to keep in mind is that your family already realizes you’ve been through a lot. If you tell them you’re ready to go home and rest, they will likely let you leave without giving you a hard time (or they should, anyway). Honesty may be the best policy when it comes to leaving the event early, but you’ll have to decide that for yourself.

Call BioTech for Your Prosthetic Device Needs!

We love our patients so much that we treat them like family. If you need a friendly ear, advice from an expert, or a fitting adjustment,contact us right away. We are always here to help!

When it comes to people with limb loss, there are all sorts of myths and misunderstandings that get tossed around. We’re here to debunk a few of the most common misconceptions about amputees and make sure people know the truth. Read on!

Misconception #1: We Never Want to Talk about Our Prosthesis.

This one is a personal choice, and it will vary from one individual to the next – but the idea that a person with limb loss definitely does not want you to notice, or ask about,their prosthesis is not necessarily true.

Many amputees wear their prosthesis proudly, and they will kindly answer a question or two about it. It’s generally rude to gawk, of course, and you shouldn’t launch a whole barrage of personal questions at the individual – but if you proceed with caution and respect, most people with limb loss don’t mind talking about it.

Misconception #2: We Can’t Go Back to Work.

Depending on the career and the nature of the job, many amputees are able to resume their previous positions after they have recovered. This is just as good for the person’s heart and mind as it is for their bank account – having an occupation reminds an amputee that they still have so much to offer their community, and that limb loss isn’t the end of the story for them.

Alternately, some amputees end up in a completely different career that they never would have pursued if it hadn’t been for their limb loss. You just never know!

Misconception #3: We Must Have Had a Traumatic Accident.

Limb loss due to combat is what makes headlines – and for good reason, as military amputees are extremely brave and have willingly put themselves in the line of fire, knowing that limb loss (or something worse) was a possibility.

And there are people out there who lose limbs to tragic circumstances like car accidents or animal attacks. But the reality is that most amputations are a result of disease, such as cancer ordiabetes, and not related to an accident at all.

BioTech Knows the Misconceptions about Amputees – and We Teach the Truth!

We work with people every day who’ve experienced limb loss, and we know the kinds of myths they encounter. If you’re looking for a company who knows your challenges, understands what you’ve been through, and can help you recognize all your possibilities, come to BioTech. We’re here for your every need, and we’re dedicated to providing the kind of service you’ll never forget.Contact us today!

Losing a limb can feel like a daunting setback. Even after you’ve physically recovered and learned to wear your new prosthesis, everything feels different and the learning curve looks huge. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about limb loss, it’s that your perspective on the situation can make or break your ability to move forward and recognize all your possibilities.

Check out these tips for thankfulness as we approach Thanksgiving season!

Focus on What You Have

We’re not trying to minimize the circumstances that led to your limb loss – but you have a choice about what you focus on. Will you dwell on your losses, or will you zone in on the fact that your life is still full of purpose?

The choice you make can have a deep impact on yourmental and emotional health for years to come, so it’s important to focus on the positives. Take inventory of everything you didn’t lose. Go over that list every day until thankfulness becomes instinctual. You’ll be amazed at the difference in your overall perspective!

Remember that Limb Loss Isn’t the End

The loss of a limb can feel like the loss of your favorite hobby, a beloved sport, or even your career. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

With all thetechnological developments in the field of prosthetics, and the way new industries like 3D printing are changing the affordability of prosthetic devices, maintaining your former lifestyle is much more possible than you may think. Whether you want tokeep shooting hoops or you don’t want to give up globetrotting, chances are, there’s a prosthesis out there that can help you keep doing what you love.

Move Forward

Okay, so you’ve taken inventory of all the great things in your life and you’ve found a prosthesis that allows you to stick with your favorite activity or your job. What now?

You’ve already done the important part, which is to focus on the good and move into your new normal. Now, you’ve got to keep that momentum going! It’s common to have an off day every now and then, but as long as you’re aiming for a life of purpose and positivity, you’ll see a lot more fulfillment in your everyday activities.

Contact BioTech!

Here at BioTech, we’re passionate about helping you recognize all your possibilities after limb loss. You don’t stop – so neither do we! If you’re looking for a fitting or you just need some answers, BioTech is here for you.Contact us today!

Halloween is approaching, and with it, the question of costumes. If you’renew to limb loss, you may be tempted to skip out on the festivities this year – but there’s no need for that! Losing a limb (or two, or more) just means your costume options have changed. Read on for three great Halloween costumes for people with limb loss!

#1: The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

This is definitely the most versatile option on our list, given that the Black Knight goes through a series of limb losses during his fight scene. No matter how many limbs you’re missing, you can be the Black Knight – even as a quadruple amputee!

Buy or make a black helmet that covers your entire head (including your face!), fashion a suit of armor out of a black tunic and some leggings, add a red dragon on the front, and play up your missing limb with some red paint. Assure everyone around you that it’s “only a flesh wound,” and your costume is complete!

#2: The Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story

Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you’ve probably seen the leg lamp somewhere. This one will require the use of crutches or a cane, though, because you’ll have to leave your leg prosthesis at home!

You’ll need a fishnet stocking, a black high heel, and a lampshade with black fringe around the bottom edge. Rig the lampshade so that it stays around your thigh, and wear plain clothing up top so as not to distract from the genius of your costume! Bonus points for every time you refer to your leg lamp as “fra-GEE-lay.”

#3: Dr. Arliss Loveless from Wild Wild West

Here’s a unique option for wheelchair users, especially double leg amputees. According to villians.wikia.com, Dr. Loveless is “an evil genius who was once part of the Confederate army during the American Civil War and the founder and leader of the Loveless Alliance.” He’s a major villain who seeks to overthrow the United States government and divide it up among himself and his villain friends.

Embrace Your Possibilities with BioTech!

Here at BioTech, we know that losing a limb is challenging – but that doesn’t mean you should stop having fun! Take advantage of Halloween this year, and dress up like something you couldn’t have pulled off before your limb loss.

And remember, we’re here to help you with all yourprosthetic and orthotic needs.Contact us with any questions you have – we’re always happy to help!

Is it just us, or does the air feel a little crisper than usual? Hooray – it’s fall! Here in beautiful Alabama, one of our favorite ways to enjoy the season (besidesfootball games, hot chocolate, and pumpkin spice everything) is to take a long hike through the golden-orange woods. Read on for tips about hiking with a prosthesis!

Make Preparations

Before you set off down your favorite trail, make sure you talk to your prosthetist about your plans. You’ll probably want to stop by and have them checkthe fit of your prosthesis, as well as ensure that everything is working the way it should be.

It’s also good to be certain that your prosthesis can withstand the activity you’re about to participate in; some are made to hold up under tougher conditions than others, so a pre-hike prosthesis checkup is definitely in order!

Supplies for Hiking with a Prosthesis

Depending on your amputation and your level of physical fitness, you may want to wear or bring the following things:

Appropriate Footwear. Supportive, lightweight shoes are a must for hiking! If you are a leg amputee, your sound limb will endure a lot of shock during your hike, and a good shoe can help absorb some of that shock.

Chafe Guard or Barrier Cream. With temperature increase and sweat production comes friction, and even ifyour socket fits perfectly during everyday activities, hiking can create new pressure points due to the uneven terrain.

Adjustable Trekking Poles. These can help with balance (which can be tricky, given all the roots and rocks in your way!) and with power/braking assistance as you go up and down hills.

A Multi-tool with Allen Wrenches. Ordinarily, we really do not advise you to adjust your prosthesis on your own – but if a bolt works its way loose on the trail, the ability to tighten it up might be the only way you can walk (as opposed to hop) back to your car!

A Friend. While a solitary walk in the woods might sound appealing, the last thing you need is for something to happen that leaves you stranded – alone. Choose wisely and take a friend along. After all, a hike is more fun when you share it with someone else!

Need Advice? Call BioTech!

Here at BioTech Limb and Brace, we specialize in answering questions and meeting needs. Limb loss is a life-changing experience, but it certainly doesn’t have to mean that the fun’s over!Contact us if you’re looking for ways to recognize all your new possibilities. We’re always here to help!

Phantom limb pain is a very odd phenomenon. It occurs when a limb that has been amputated or otherwise lost still feels like it is attached to the body – and more often than not, the sensation is excruciating.

So what causes it, and how can you deal with it? Read on to find out!

Where Does the Sensation Come From?

Many scientists believe that the sensation of a phantom limb comes from residual activity in the parts of the Body Image Neuromatrix that were formerly dedicated to that limb. For this reason, treatments forphantom limb pain in the future may involve brain remapping techniques, which could help the brain let go of the lost limb.

Whenever a person experiences a major change in their body, there are corresponding changes in the brain that can also be observed. Additionally, when different, specific areas of the brain incur damage, there is a drastic change in body image and perception. This suggests that the brain and the body are connected in a complex, interactive way, instead of just one localized part of the brain being responsible for one localized part of the body.

What Is the Body Image Neuromatrix?

It is believed that the Body Image Neuromatrix is made up of four parts: regions of the parietal lobe, the somatosensory cortex, and two neural pathways. It seems to be developed in the first eight years of life, as evidenced by the low occurrence of phantom limb painin children.

Previously, scientists thought that once the Neuromatrix was formed, it could not be changed. This meant that treatment for phantom limb pain involved things like prescription drugs, electric spinal cord stimulation, and acupuncture – all with minimal success. But now, thanks to studies that show how sensory input activates nearby areas of the Penfield map of the motor cortex after the amputation of a limb, it’s thought that the brain is somewhat flexible. That means the Neuromatrix could potentially be reconfigured.

Treatment for Phantom Limb Pain in the Future

With this new knowledge of how the Neuromatrix works, doctors and scientists can focus more on treating the brain rather than the body in order to get rid of phantom limb pain. Once we know exactly how malleable the Neuromatrix is, and once we understand exactly how to change it in order to bring relief to amputees, then we’ll be well on our way to effective treatment for phantom limb pain.

If you have questions about phantom limb pain or any other part of limb loss,contact us today. We are always here to help!

We’ve talked a lot aboutathletes who have prosthetic devices, and it’s true – they are very inspiring! But since election season is upon us, we thought we’d take a moment to look at some politicians with limb loss who have led the world in spite of their setbacks. Read on!

#1: Ted Kennedy, Jr.

Edward Moore Kennedy, Jr. is the son of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy and Virginia Joan Bennett. After the discovery of cancer in his right leg in 1973, Kennedy’s leg was amputated. He holds an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, a master’s degree from Yale University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. An impressive list of accomplishments, indeed!

#2: Daniel Inouye

Daniel Ken Inouye was a recipient of the Medal of Honor. He served as the senior United States Senator from Hawaii until his death in 2012. He was a senator for more than forty years, which is something few senators can claim. After losing his arm in battle, he had to leave behind his plan to become a surgeon, instead returning to college to study political science on the GI Bill.

#3: Max Cleland

Joseph Maxwell Cleland is a former U.S. Senator and a disabled U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Captain during his service, and he also received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for his valorous action in combat. After picking up a grenade he thought had come off his flak jacket, the grenade detonated, shredding one arm and both his legs.

#4: Robert Kerrey

Joseph Robert “Bob” Kerrey served as Governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987. He was also the U.S. Senator from Nebraska from 1989 to 2001. Kerrey served as a SEAL in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, at which time he lost the lower part of one leg in combat and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Politicians with Limb Loss Are Just the Beginning…

Here at BioTech, we’re convinced that limb loss doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your dreams. Whether you want to be a politician ora basketball player, the right prosthetic device can help you get there.Contact us today for more information!

You might think it’s impossible forathletes with prosthetic devices to reach the same level of success as their whole-limbed colleagues, but that’s a myth. Limb loss can be overcome on the playing field – and these football players are here to prove it!

A few years ago, Deven – now 12 years old – lost both his legs to meningitis. He never wavered in his goal to return to football, even spending 3 hours a week learning to walk and run with his new blades. Plus, he got to meet some of his favorite pro football players as a result of his endurance and positive attitude!

As a baby, Damon had twisted feet. Both of them were amputated when he was 2 years old. You wouldn’t think that would make for a very promising football career, but Damon has shown the world otherwise! He’s now playing varsity football for his senior year of high school, and he says that “anything you put your mind to, you can do it.”

Born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, Andrew lost his left leg below the knee and has a right club foot. The fingers on both of his hands are also affected. All of this resulted in 7 surgeries before Andrew’s 12th birthday. Andrew, now a high school sophomore, doesn’t let any of this stop him – and he thinks it’s pretty funny when his leg comes off during a tackle.

Their Inspiration Is Our Motivation

Here at BioTech, we think people with limb loss are pretty awesome. That’s why we do everything we can to give our patients exceptional service, fromexpedited fittings to advice on cost and insurance.

Whether you’re looking for prosthetic or orthotic devices, scoliosis braces, or just a friendly face and a positive attitude, BioTech is the place for you. We’ll treat you like family – guaranteed.